As our aging loved ones get older they need extra care, but do not necessarily want the upheaval of moving from their residence. This is described as 'aging in place'. This term refers to the desire of aging ones and their families to adjust their current residence to cater to their growing needs. While there are many ways to help them with these needs, making appliances more convenient to use may be a good place to start. Here are some tips;

Location of microwave oven should be in an easy to reach location. On the counter top or above the oven may be a convenient location.

Place the refrigerator and freezer side by side and not on top of each other. This will eliminate unnecessary reaching or crouching.

Side swing ovens are much easier than an oven door that opens towards the floor. Alternatively, an oven mounted on the wall may also make it easier to reach.

Stoves that are electric and have level burners will help the user to transfer items without difficulty. Also, controls that are easy to read and located on the front can draw the heat away from the user.

Front loading Washers and dryers make it much easier than top loading ones.

These are just some ideas to help our aging loved ones 'age in place' and make it easier while they use their appliances.

This may be a question that you have never thought of, but if there are young children or older ones present in your home and your range is freestanding, it can be a concern. As a matter fact, it could be a hazard for anyone if there aren't anti-tip brackets installed on your freestanding oven. These brackets, which come with every installation kit for a freestanding oven or range, ensure that it never tips over if weight or pressure is applied to the front end.

If you haven't installed the oven in your home with these brackets present, you may want to take a look to make sure that you have them. Just by taking a flashlight one can look in the back of your range to see if there are anti-tip brackets present. These brackets could be attached to the bottom legs of the oven or screwed to the wall behind the range. The fact that they are present though, doesn't ensure that they will stop the oven from tipping. That's why it would be a good idea to have someone qualified to inspect their installation.

Yes just resting a thanksgiving dinner on an open door of the oven, a small child standing on the open door to check the stove, or a person resting on an open door while cleaning would be enough to tip an oven that doesn't have anti-tip brackets properly installed.